Delicious Pesto Salmon Recipe for Quick Dinners
This Pesto Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of salmon with the bright, aromatic flavors of fresh pesto. The salmon is perfectly baked and topped with a generous layer of basil pesto, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Top with Pesto:
- Spread a generous tablespoon of pesto over each salmon fillet, making sure to coat the top evenly.
- Bake the Salmon:
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- Serve:
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and serve with lemon wedges and fresh basil leaves for garnish. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Homemade Pesto: For a fresh and vibrant pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), and olive oil.
- Add Veggies: Serve the pesto salmon with roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a complete meal.
- Storage: Leftover pesto salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid drying out the fish.
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